Thomson cautioned that this broad sketch of the title picture could all change depending on the performances seen on Saturday.

“I’m fine with whoever,” he said.

Undoutedly, he’d like the title shot. He and Melendez fought a third time at “Strikeforce: Heavyweight Grand Prix Final,” and Melendez edged out a split decision that was loudly booed. Melendez earned a unanimous decision three years prior, which avenged a unanimous call for Thomson that won him the Strikeforce belt. (Thomson was later unable to defend the belt due to injury, and Melendez picked up an interim title before unifying the belts in their second meeting.)

All three fights were exciting, action-packed affairs. In the buildup to the rubber match, however, Melendez openly griped about not crossing over to the UFC. He felt Thomson didn’t advance his career, but nonetheless fought.

Thomson estimates he has between two and three years left in his career. But a revamped training schedule has done much to minimize the bumps and bruises he’s accumulated in 11 years of fighting MMA.

He may not get another shot at Melendez, of course, but is hopeful that should Healy fight Melendez and win the title, he’ll get another chance to be champ.

For more on Strikeforce’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.

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